2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern with a 2018 facelift, still showed its age. The subtle updates to the headlights and grille were overshadowed by the vehicle's large silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's design was reminiscent of the mid-2000s, with a massive, multi-tiered center dash and a standard 7-inch touchscreen that seemed small against the expansive dashboard. The front seats, though bulky and comfortable, left tall drivers feeling cramped, especially with the optional sunroof. However, the second-row seats offered ample headroom and legroom, providing a more spacious experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality. The Wilderness trim, with its rugged design and water-repellant StarTex simulated leather interior, was built for adventure. The Forester's interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt both durable and somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. The Forester's new front styling improved its appearance, but the Wilderness's cladding and matte-black hood decal were not universally appealing.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration, even for an SUV weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were akin to a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. However, it lagged behind competitors in towing capacity, maxing out at 7,400 pounds compared to the Ford Expedition's 9,300 pounds.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's CVT and all-wheel drive system offered a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Wilderness model doubled its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing. Its long-travel suspension and dual-function X-Mode system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin, with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Its power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. However, the front-row space could have been better utilized, as newer SUVs have improved in maximizing interior space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's cargo space was practical, with 28.9 cubic feet available without the panoramic sunroof and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The upgraded roof rails and full-size spare tire added to its versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with large hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the technology felt dated compared to modern offerings.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in its base trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist. The Sequoia scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system and DriverFocus technology in the Touring trim. It earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.